On the Lesson of Wood

Let Fire be a demonstration for thee, that is buried and dead in secret, and the rubbing of wood with wood brings it to life for the destruction of both of them ; but when it (i.e. Fire) has come to life it turns to burn the substance that brought it to life by its companionship. Oh, the evident illustration!— that Wood is made a grave for Fire, and when the one has been resurrected from it, it is destroyed by that one! (On Virginity, XII)